$1,270 Movers From Michigan to Illinois

The cost to move from Michigan to Illinois averages from $461 to $5,658 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Illinois to Michigan guide.

Moving from Michigan to Illinois resources

Moving 408 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Michigan to Illinois movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Michigan to Illinois is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Michigan to Illinois.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Illinois?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Michigan to Illinois for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,270 - $3,675 $721 - $1,745 $441 - $794
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,284 - $5,658 $1,317 - $2,705 $461 - $941
4+ bedrooms $3,651 - $8,938 $1,782 - $3,324 $572 - $1,107
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 408 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence Michigan moving costs. The cost to move from Michigan to Illinois will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Michigan to Illinois?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Illinois will cost between $1,270 to $3,675. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to IL will range from $2,284 to $5,658, and a large move from Michigan to Illinois will cost from $3,651 to $8,938.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Michigan to Illinois?

Moving containers from Michigan to Illinois will cost you $721 to $1,745 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,317 to $2,705. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,782 to $3,324. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.

How much is a moving truck from Michigan to Illinois?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $441 to $794. A larger move will cost $461 to $941, and a 4+ bedroom move from Michigan to Illinois costs from $572 to $1,107.

Is moving from Michigan to Illinois a good idea?

If you’re moving to Illinois from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Michigan vs Illinois

Michigan Illinois
Average rent cost $892 $1,038
Average home cost $232,380 $249,224
Average income (per capita) $68,505 $78,433
Cost of Living Index 92 90
Unemployment rate 4.1% 4.6%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 8.82%
State Income Tax 4.25% 4.95%
  • Rent is about 16% more expensive in Illinois than in Michigan.
  • Home prices are about 7.2% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
  • The average income is about 14.5% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
  • Cost of living is 2.2% lower in Illinois than in Michigan.
  • Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan by about 12.2%.
  • Sales taxes are 47.00% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
  • Income taxes are 16.47% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.

How is life different in Illinois from Michigan?

Illinois Michigan
Population 12,582,032 10,034,113
Political leaning Democrat 58-41 Democratic 59-48
Summer High 86ºF 81ºF
Winter Low 17ºF 14ºF
Annual Rain 40" 34"
Annual Snow 22" 64"
Crime Index 18.79 18.76
  • The population of Illinois is approximately 25% greater than the population of Michigan.
  • In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democrat and Michigan voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
  • You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois vs 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
  • In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually vs 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
  • Illinois has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 18.79 vs 18.76.

Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Illinois:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Michigan vs Illinois side-by-side.

Pros of living in Michigan Pros of living in Illinois
Scenic beauty Home of Chicago
Good higher education Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful recreational opportunities Bountiful recreational opportunities
Low cost of living Delicious food
Beautiful lakes World-class sports culture

Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Illinois:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Illinois.

Cons of living in Michigan Cons of living in Illinois
Cold snowy winters Harsh winter weather
Spotty economic opportunity Bad traffic
Poor transportation infrastructure High crime rate
Expensive education Dull landscape
Thick accents Strict laws

Considerations for moving to Illinois

  • Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Michigan movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Handle With Care Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108
(734) 677-2000
White Star Movers, Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
13038 Pauline Dr, Shelby Twp, MI, 48315
(586) 977-0400

Visit our Best Movers in Michigan page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Illinois

While you’re in Illinois, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • Millennium Park
  • Navy Pier
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  • Dana-Thomas House
  • Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
  • Discovery Center Museum
  • Buffalo Rock State Park
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Illinois Beach State Park
  • Grand View Drive
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park
  • Matthiessen State Park

FAQs about moving from Michigan to Illinois

What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Illinois?

The cheapest way to move from Michigan to Illinois is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Illinois?

The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Illinois